When I returned to the Kingston campus to take prerequisite courses before applying to the MA/TCP program, I was very nervous because I was so much older than other students and knew that they would all know one another, and I would be an outsider. I had taken the first few prerequisites in Providence, which is a much more inclusive, welcoming environment.
I am a very serious student this time around. I work hard. I spend hours on assignments. I am very dedicated to my career track and education. Most students that I encountered, were not. They were more concerned about the Bon Vue on Thursday nights and rehashing the ridiculous antics from the night before. Not to say that I wasn't exactly the same way, because I was. Ten years ago. I didnt value my education and thought that who was with who where was much more important than the person with the Ph.D trying to prepare me for a career. I also thought I knew it all. So, I understand the perspective of the college junior/senior that thinks their social circle is what makes the world go round. But, I was furious when it impacted my learning. And in a collaborative course like 448- it did.
It was exactly as I expected, only worse, because I had forgotten how stuck up and self centered the 21 year old population can be. I was so uncomfortable in class and hated working with groups. I took EDC 448 with Dr. Coiro, and she really made an effort to make me feel comfortable in the classroom. She took the time to talk through things with me and provided an immense amount of encouragement along the way. One of the ways that she helped the most is that she acknowledged the situation. She recognized that the course was not what it could have been because of the students in the class. She is one of the best professors I have ever had, taught me so much, and has still remained someone that email when I have questions or need a specific resource.
One of the ways that I grew was in my knowledge. Edc 448 confirmed for me that this is what I wanted to do. And that as an educator I try my hardest to ensure that (obnoxious) students do not impact the learning/class environment of others, because those first few days of class, I wanted to drop the course. I had to take a deep breath and give my self a pep talk every day before class. But I made it- and I learned a lot.
I am a very serious student this time around. I work hard. I spend hours on assignments. I am very dedicated to my career track and education. Most students that I encountered, were not. They were more concerned about the Bon Vue on Thursday nights and rehashing the ridiculous antics from the night before. Not to say that I wasn't exactly the same way, because I was. Ten years ago. I didnt value my education and thought that who was with who where was much more important than the person with the Ph.D trying to prepare me for a career. I also thought I knew it all. So, I understand the perspective of the college junior/senior that thinks their social circle is what makes the world go round. But, I was furious when it impacted my learning. And in a collaborative course like 448- it did.
It was exactly as I expected, only worse, because I had forgotten how stuck up and self centered the 21 year old population can be. I was so uncomfortable in class and hated working with groups. I took EDC 448 with Dr. Coiro, and she really made an effort to make me feel comfortable in the classroom. She took the time to talk through things with me and provided an immense amount of encouragement along the way. One of the ways that she helped the most is that she acknowledged the situation. She recognized that the course was not what it could have been because of the students in the class. She is one of the best professors I have ever had, taught me so much, and has still remained someone that email when I have questions or need a specific resource.
One of the ways that I grew was in my knowledge. Edc 448 confirmed for me that this is what I wanted to do. And that as an educator I try my hardest to ensure that (obnoxious) students do not impact the learning/class environment of others, because those first few days of class, I wanted to drop the course. I had to take a deep breath and give my self a pep talk every day before class. But I made it- and I learned a lot.